The Seder: What Takes So Long?

You made my seder for this year. Opened my eyes. Thank you. חג כשר ושמח לכל עם ישראל בכל מקום שהם

WOW!! I got goosebumps!! Passover will be even more special this year. Thanks!

Excellent Presentation!

pesach seder--why so long----that was gr8!!!!!!!!!

That was one of the most wonderful videos I have seen. Me, as an orthodox jew never really appreciated the "chashivus" of the seder. Well, now I will go into the night just a little bit different. AMAZING!

Very appropriate. Don't forget the miracles of the Almighty down through the ages, for He is alive and real.

What a beautiful presentation.

It's still Pesach... not too late to pass this one along to friends and family!

Thank you. I plan on sharing this with my husband who feels compelled to expedite the seder because everyone wants dinner. I want to savor the seder and contemplate a bit. But maybe that's because I am never starving because I've been tasting my wonderful food. I think next year I will have small matzah ball appetizers for people to grab as they come in to the house so THEY won't be starving throughout the seder. I also wish that the fact that it is a week night didn't set the tone for when people want to be done! Thank you for your wise words on the matter.

Ilyse: The best innovation to my Seder nights in the past decade comes from a Seder I attended at my rabbi's house when we lived in northern Virginia in 1999. What his wife did was this: As soon as we said the blessing "borei pri ha'adama" on the parsley or whatever vegetable appears on the Seder plate, she brought out a tray of fruits -- pineapple, cantaloupe, honeydew, strawberries -- that, like the parsley, is grown on the ground and is covered by this blessing. That way, people can munch on the fruit from that point forward, and no one need have any "I'm hungry" issues prior to the dinner. I've used that tip every Seder since, and it works like a charm by keeping everyone focused on the Seder and not the food. Of course, you certainly can use vegetables, too. Best of luck next year!

Fantastic Video. I wish I had received it BEFORE passover so that I could send it to the whole family.

I'm with you Jake..I wish I had seen it prior to pesach to send out.....still will send out...thanks aish

Thank you, Charlie. I hope that you and "yours" are in the midst of a beautiful and meaningful Pesach!

About 4 years ago when i was 9 years old i thought the the same thing "What takes so long!"

I now know what I am going to do at the Seder table with my children and our guests.

I really enjoyed this video and it hit home for me on many levels Bravo and lets keep it going

let say to you thank you for the inspiring and well vo and

Charlie - It is very nice that you desire to inspire others, however, I will pose a question to you that a relative asked at the Passover table one time and if you think about it, he's right. Therefore, based on the strength of his argument we are forced to reexamine the functionality of the Haggadah. His question was as follows: "If the purpose of the Haggadah is to tell over the history of the Exodus, why did the authors of the Haggadah waste some much time on insignificant statements (such as the 4 sons, the Rabbis of Bnei Brak, etc) instead of just telling over the story of the Exodus from start to finish?" In truth, the Haggadah appears to be skimming over the story with brief references and concentrating more on the legal aspects of the evening's Jewish requirements. This being so, we need to reassess what is the functionality of the Haggadah. It is clearly not as most would say (paraphrasing), "Never Forget"! It is clearly not an ancient version of "Remember the Holocaust" . So what is it then? I have an answer, but prefer not to spoon feed people. Go and search! The true reason is much more meaningful than just remembering that we were slaves to Pharaoh in Egypt and now are free men. "Seek and you will find". Chag Kosher V'Sameach (Everybody should have a wonderful and meaningful Pesach!)

Thank you for an inspiring and well said message.

The point of the video adds even more meaning to our Seder. Thanks.

Appreciate reviewing some of the holidays as Passover from Moses, leading the people from Egypt.

excellent. very articulate. wonderful points. and much appreciated would simply note that sippur yetziat mizraim is much different than the experience of yom hashoah.

This was truly a wonderful explanation of " why so long." I always have that feeling before we sit down and now I can think of your wonderful reasoning and hopefully enjoy the Seder more. I wish you and your family a wonderful Pesach. Sincerely, Joe Cohen

Amaizing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Tahnkyou

Laughing out loud, because as we're preparing for tomorrow, I heard those EXACT TWO QUESTIONS!!! "Does it have to take so long?" And, "Can't we eat FIRST?" These were great answers. Just shared them with the family. We are ready now!!!

You really know how to get the point across! Thank You!

you really know how to get the point across in all your vids---purim sameach!

Thats all I can say. POWERFUL..... And i am an a mainstream Orthodox rabbi

Invaluable-I am leading a seder, BSD, for a few hundred Ethiopian immigrants and found this poignant and inspirational. Charlie is a great speaker. Go get 'em!

It's great to really remember WHY we do this each year. This is a wonderful production and we have been sending is along to all our friends and family. It is inspiring us to make this year's - and we hope every year's - seders truly special. Thank you. P.S. My brother, Sam Newman (alov hashalom), was also a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar from Columbia - you must all get the award for being such great speakers!

When you have family that actually experienced slavery and horrific oppression, it makes the seder that much more real. Sometimes survivers reserve this night as their one time each year where they open up about their past. Great job.

nice

Tieing the Passover to HaShoah really made it real to me. We know what happened in Europe and it can't be denied, that makes Passover and the Exodus so real to me. It is not a tradition or a story, it happened and the Seder makes it real to us as it was to that first generation of Moses. From generation to generation for thousands of years. HaShem is so wise!

we haven't had a seder in a while but this reminds me of why it is necessary. Thank you, Charlie.

Taking long is the exact opposite of what the meal is supposed to be. You are to eat with loins girded and wlaking stick in hand. Matzah is all about the rush. If you really want to remember Pasover. Eat fast as if your life depended on it. Choose life. Smah already! If you relax, you miss the point. Pharaoh would have got you.

My grandfather has photographic documentation of his efforts (and those of the 36th Division) at Dachau and nearby subcamps in 1945. To retain in remembrance the irrefutable heritage he established, and to prevent or overpower future atrocities is the resolution of me and mine. Thank you for reminding me of the value of preserving culture.

This is such an important film. Let's try to remember to make these accessible for Deaf people. I'd love my Deaf daughter and her friend to see this, but she wouldnt be able to hear it. Let's try to have these captioned next time, and remember the Jewish Deaf. Thank you. Happy Pesach.

aish - a new challenge? bet you can do it!

What a great video! I'm a convert and my husband and I have hosted the Seder for his family the past 20 years. I'm always amazed at the family members who don't take the holiday seriously or understand the importance of embracing the drama of the story. Thanks for a great job.

Well put and inspiring. Thanks, God bless you. God bless Israel and the siblings.

Thanks! Expecting more!

I have heard it said that we Jews suffer from many diseases, but amnesia is not one of them. But there is a contradiction - too many of us have forgotten how relevant and important Pesach is. Thanks for doing this.

Where can I purchase FTHE SEDER - WHAT TAKES SO LONG?

My husband asked me why I was watching aish, and after showing him this clip, I said," this is why we need aish..." Beautiful video! Keep up the great work, and Chag Kosher V'Sameach!

I have never been to a seder where there was any real discussion about anything. Last year, I went to a seder at the rabbi's house having watched this video, and I came with thoughts and wonderings. No one had any interest in what I had to say. The only people whose thoughts were given any time were those who had Talmudic questions about the minutiae of the seder. The "answers" from the rabbi all sounded programmed. I was so disappointed, because I came ready to be excited about the Exodus, and I left not wanting to go to another seder. This year, I will make my own seder, by myself - since I have no family - just so that I can care about what happened. It's sad that I have to do it alone, but I'd rather do it alone than sit through a programmed show of Talmudic debate.

Too many people get caught up with the minutiae of the Seder. They miss the beauty of the forest because they're so busy looking at the insects. Our Exodus was a monumental event and the Seder should be an exciting experience for all. We should discuss it with passion and excitement as if we were leaving Egypt. We often make it boring. Don't give up Sarah. There are people out there who do it right. Make an effort and find them.

Dear Sarah, I would love to talk with you about the seders I have at my house. My e-mail address is sheilajgw@gmail.com Please contact me. I live in the L.A. area. ---Sheila Wasserman

I wish you lived in my city and could join my guests and me for our seder. We have all ages, Russian immigrants, Israeli transplants, healthy and not so. We discuss Freedom as it is relevant to us all. I'll be thinking of you. Chag Sameach Pesach.

We'd love to be in touch and might have some answers for you. We were the Kollel couple who lived on Cazado Dr in the townhouses. Feel free to contact us in Australia yabrahamson@gmail.com

Thank you for bringing the seder to life may you and your family have an enjoyable pesach. From downunder Australia

If only I could use it at the seder

Thank you! Needed that reminder!

I am a young married mother of 3 children. I have been religious all my life. Part of the ultra-orthodox community, as some might call it. I am a growing person, always looking to better myself. I have always looked forward to and enjoyed the Pesach seder. Yet, I have always had this question deep down that was never answered. Why does Maggid have to be so long? Or at least, why cant we eat first and then everyone would enjoy it so much more! I have always wondered. Until now. Thank you for this video! It has finally answered my question and I am looking forward even more to the seder this year!!

I converted to Judism years ago for myself. This was the first year I made my very own Family Haggada. Now, I won't be nervous about what comes next. My four year old son and husband really got into all my theatrical storytelling. I've already thought of improvements for next year. I loved your video. Thanks.

Even though it's the last nite, this one is so inspiring, I am posting it on my FB! Thank you!!!

Very smart. Very entertaining. Thank you.

my question thats always been in my mind is what takes so long?! finally..it was answered by this amazing video!

My hostess suggested I watch this. How awesome, thank you for doing this. As I young girl I worked with a Polish woman with numbers on her arm. No, I will never forget.

Thank you ... it adds a contemporary view to a topic that is as relevant today as it was when Exodus and the Holocaust took place. Peace to all, enjoy your Seder, and invite someone who may be curious.

Might be the best 5 minute teaching session that Aish has ever done. We actually gathered around the computer before we started our seder last night and watched this video. The reaction was stunning and the setting of the tone for the seder was beautiful. Thanks for such a wonderful 5 minutes.

EXCELLENTTTT I WILL REFER TO THIS VIDEO TONIGHT AT THE SEDER! JAG SAMEAJ!!

My husband and I love celebrating the feasts as we learn more about the people of G-d. What a treat you've given us, and a vision and passion to share with our 8 children! We love your people and pray for you, thank you!

This was so well done. It kept my interest the whole time, it taught me something, and it made me even more proud to be Jewish. I love Passover, and this just made me even more excited for my seder! This guy is a great narrator.

You added so much dimension to my Pesach....THANK YOU!!!! A zisen Pesach to you & your family!!

Big Yasher Koach. Well done. (Or should I say Chazak U'Baruch?) Chag Kasher V'Sameach to all. L'shana Haba'a B'Yerushalayim.

Thank you for helping me to understand more of the foundations of your faith. I pray for you as a people.

I had never looked at the Seder in this way before. Thank you for making Pesach more meaningful for all of us.

As my one line suimmary states, this video should be shown at all Jewish schools at every level, in every class and every year. It really makes one think!

In a time where uncertainty plays again a role, we should get united again once more to stay strong with our culture, our values, our history! Never forget, no matter if Holocaust or Egypt. I want to express my gratitude for those who had this fabulous idea to create the video and for the wonderful quality it was made! Thanks.

THANK U SO MUCH!

You don't have to go into the seder hungry, and after the Karpas, you can serve an appetizer of cut up veggies. This is not about suffering through, enjoy the night. GREAT movie! Thanks.

i loved this video and sent it to all my cousins

He really puts life into it and creates excitement for the seder. Thank you very much.

Fantastic! The idea of the seder becomes much more meaningful when you compare it to remembering the holocaust. חג כשר ושמח

I LOVE how this was presented. Good job!

My family was not victm od the Soah. Instead, we suffer on a hands of the Inquisition. Here in Brazil, (and all Portuguese/Spanish colones) the families were forced to live in a criptjudiasm. So jewish culture started to fade among these families. Nowadays, most of these families nor even know what is judaism. If you compare, the shoah and Why this happened? Because there wasn´t a seder to remind the generations about where did we came from. what we are and what we are doing here. That was a awsome video! Congratulations all! It was

i am F.F.B. and it has given me a renewed look on the seder this year. Yesher koach!

That was an absolutely awesome and inspiring video. Thank you very much

Thanks for reminding me. My grandparents were Holocaust survivors too and resettled in Hungary after the war. When keeping Torah became difficult under Communist rule my grandparents escaped Hungary, on Pesach! I was lucky to have my Bobbie & Zeidy relate their personal exodus at the Seder every year. Hearing their experiences at the Seder brought a very personal and poignant touch to the story of Yetzias Mitzrayim. Now I tell my children about their great Bubbie & Zeidy in the hope that they too will take from the Seder strong personal recollections and values. Again, thanks for reminding us how important it is that every generation remembers who we are, where we come from and where we're headed. Chag Kosher V'Sameach.

Loved it! Have a Chag Kasher v' Sameach! Hugs to all, especially the littlest one!

AMAZING!! Exactly the chizuk that I needed! May this be not only an unforgettable Pesach, but also a kasher v'sameach one!! Thank you!!

I wish that I was Jewish and could participate. I think that G-d is just so awesome and I would consider it a privilege to be involved in such a celebration. Thank you guys for the excellent commentary

Gorgeous video,qnd very meaningful thank you for sharing it!!!! happy passover

Gevaldig!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Chag Kosher V'Sameach!

I am so excited when I can watch another beautifully written and dramatically performed video with Mr. Harary. May we all be zoche to a beautiful and meaningful Pesach. May we all merit the coming of Moshiach very soon!

The parable comparing the Hagada to remembering the Holocaust is incredibly relevant and impactful. Very well done!

Aish.com you have done it again! Amazing is the only word that I can say. May you and Mr. Hararay merit to continue inspiring Jews all over the world in good health and happiness!

B"H great job!loved the narration and great background pictures!

this was a very nice film. thank you.

this is probably THE BEST video Aish.com has put out. Make sure that EVERYONE sees it!

Mr Harary has brought my Jewishness alive in a way I never dreamed possible. It makes sence, it gives beauty and meaning to my life... and helps me keep believing GD is out there - He's real! Thank you! And that you to aish for your amazing work, I was almost a statistic of intermarrage and I cannot thank you enough.

Excellent

Once again, you did it... Thank you... keep it up

Excellent reminder to help us focus on the seder. We have an important mission to pass on the history of our ancestors to our children. We are an important link in the chain.

Passover sure makes another good reason why Jews shouldn't intermarry. Otherwise, the story wouldn't as likely be passed down from one generation to the other and so forth.

I've loved the previous videos from Mr. Harary. This one, though, left me hanging. He tells us to make the seder real, which is great. He just doesn't tell us how to do it. Too bad, he didn't go all the way.

Really awsome video